Bead and jewelry extravaganza in Oaks

By DENNY DYROFF, For the Journal Register News Service

Thursday, April 11, 2013

There are times that beads get a bum rap — especially with phrases such as “nervous beads of sweat” and “beady eyes.” But for the most part, beads are associated with happy, fun things such as beaded dresses and woven bead bracelets.

The focus will be on beads at a special event this weekend at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Friday through Sunday, the expo hall in Montgomery County is hosting the Interweave Bead Fest, an event that claims to be the largest bead and jewelry show on the East Coast.

The huge annual event, which is billed as a bead and jewelry extravaganza, will feature hands-on jewelry making classes, informative seminars, beading competitions and a large vendors’ area where visitors can purchase everything from beading supplies to hand-crafted jewelry.

Bead Fest will have close to 150 booths and lots of workshops which will be presented by experts in the bead and jewelry fields.